---- their ring fingers. I stared at the old red mark on the back of Garrett's hand. Even though my heart felt dead, it still hurt to see it. Garrett got that scar when he was eighteen. He jumped in front of me when my stepfather threw silver water at me. The doctors tried everything, but the mark never went away completely. I always thought it meant he loved me. I was so stupid. The last bit of hope in my chest finally died. I bought some medical supplies and called my lawyer friend to write up papers to break our mate bond. When I returned to the border territory, it was a scene of devastation. I put my feelings aside and started helping the hurt pack members. Something felt off about this rogue attack. It looked ---- like they did it in a hurry without planning. I could still see pieces of last night's fireworks on the ground. A bad thought entered my head. But the next second, someone kicked me hard from behind. Caught off guard, I crashed forward onto the weapons left behind by the rogue wolves. Asharp spear that was stuck in the dirt went right through my stomach. Max's voice came from behind me. He sounded angry. "Maya, are you some kind of creep? Did you actually follow us here to spy on us? Are you crazy?!" I don't know when Max forgot what our real mom looked like before Serena's mother killed her. Now he obeyed Serena's every command without question. I didn't want this kind of brother anymore! ---- I gritted my teeth through the pain and gripped the spear shaft. Blood gushed out as I pulled the weapon from my body. Though my wolf quickly began healing the wound, I was already in agony. Before the wound could fully close, I walked up to him and slapped him hard across the face. Max's head turned from the slap. He stared at me with wide eyes. He never thought I would hit him back. Before he could say anything, I looked at him like he disgusted me. "Don't think so much of yourself. Since you love Serena so much, just be her little dog." "That slap was for everything you've done. We're not family anymore." Ignoring his furious glare, I turned away to tend to my wound. Not far away, Garrett approached with Serena, who looked deathly pale in his arms. A flash of guilt crossed his face as he tried to explain: ---- "Maya, I forgot to wish you happy birthday last night. " "After I finish this mining work, I'll come back and celebrate with you..." In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. For those seeking a compelling tale that combines elements of romance, secrecy, and personal transformation, "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" is available to read at CrushReel, offering a captivating escape into a world where love conquers all.